Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Harvest Cook Shack

— Alva Mural Society —

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

1. Harvest Cook Shack Marker

Inscription.
In the early 1900s, Woods County farmers knew threshing season had begun when the cook shack arrived followed by the threshing rig and a crew of up to 15 men. The cook shack served as the kitchen and dining facility, sleeping quarters for the cooks and the headquarters for the entire threshing rig. The cooks prepared and served three meals a day plus morning and afternoon coffee breaks.

Mural painted by Don Gray, 2017

Erected 2017 by Alva Mural Society. (Marker Number 29.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 36° 48.308′ N, 98° 39.946′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It is on Flynn Street just west of 5th Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker and mural are located on the east facade of the building at this address, near the southeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 512 Flynn Street, Alva OK 73717, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

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and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and Cherokee Outlet.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bass Reeves (here, next to this marker); Holtzclaw's Jewelry (a few steps from this marker); Rialto Theatre Building (a few steps from this marker); The Old Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of United States Land Office Building (about 400 feet away); In Honor of the Growth of Cooperative Extension Continuing Education in Woods County (about 400 feet away); Thunderbirds (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alva.

Harvest Cook Shack Marker & Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

2. Harvest Cook Shack Marker & Mural

The marker and mural face the alley (on the right), perpendicular to Flynn Street (on the left). The marker is mounted at eye-level near the bottom left corner of the mural.

Harvest Cook Shack Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

3. Harvest Cook Shack Mural

The mural was painted by Don Gray in 2017.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.